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Friday, May 15, 2015

Jones Named 2015-16 Teacher of the Year at Recognition Reception

Michael Jones of Culbreth Middle, was named the District Teacher of the Year at the Annual Recognition Reception on May 15 at Carrboro High.

Jones is a choral music teacher with 21 years of teaching experience. He holds a bachelor of science degree in public school music from Norfolk State University. Jones received a $1,000 check from the Bank of North Carolina, as well as gifts from area businesses.

Two Honor Teachers were also named on Friday. They are Channing Bennett of Smith Middle and Mariella Mabe of Carrboro Elementary. They each received a $500 check from the Bank of North Carolina and gifts from local businesses.

Teacher of the Year gifts were provided by: A Better Image Printing, Barnes and Noble at New Hope Commons, Chapel Hill Florist, Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, Office Depot and the Spotted Dog Restaurant.

Michael Jones, District Teacher of the Year

Channing Bennett, District Honor Teacher

Mariella Mabe, District Honor Teacher

The Mary Scroggs Award for Excellence in Providing Support Services recognizes one classified staff member from each school and several Lincoln Center departments. The award recipient is Mark Foushee, a bus driver for the Transportation Department, who also received a $1,000 check. Two Honor Recipients were named. They are Teia McCall, a teacher assistant at Ephesus Elementary, and Scott Ursery, the HVAC foreman in Lincoln Center's Maintenance Department. They each received $250.

Classified and EC Staff of the Year gifts were provided by: FSI Office and University Florist.

Other staff awards were also presented at the event.

Darlene Ryan of Glenwood Elementary was recognized as the district's Principal of the Year, while Coretta Sharpless of Northside Elementary was named the district's Assistant Principal of the Year. Sherri Martin, executive director of high school programs and professional development, received the Award for Excellence in District Administration.

Kendra Suggs-Shealey of Lincoln Center was the recipient of the Jeanette Blackwell Mentor Teacher Award. Jennifer Michalenok of Chapel Hill High was the recipient of the Exceptional Children's Award for Outstanding Contributions as a Teacher. Diamond Jones of Northside Elementary received the CHC Public School Foundation Promising New Teacher Award. Kirsten Venema of Ephesus Elementary was named the recipient of the Elmo's Award for Excellence in Teaching English as a Second Language and World Language.

The Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate (BRMA) program presented two Excellence in Equitable Teaching Awards. These award recipients are selected by the students in BRMA. The middle school award went to Debra Freeman of McDougle Middle, and Dominic Koplar of East Chapel Hill High received the high school award.

Representatives of the Public School Foundation (PSF) were on hand to present both new and renewing Teaching Chairs. Jay Wilson of East Chapel Hill High is the Elmo's Excellence in Teaching Mathematics or Science Chair. Erin White of Smith Middle is the Zora Rashkis Chair in Middle School Language Arts. Laura Boening of Morris Grove Elementary is the Upper Elementary Chair for Excellence in Teaching Innovation.

Renewing chair recipients also were honored on Friday. Jack Watson is the CHHS PTSA Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Humanities. Candace White of Glenwood Elementary is the Neil Pedersen Teachers First Chair. Ashley Laver of Rashkis Elementary is the Sockwell Chair for Excellence in Teaching in the Elementary Classroom. Katherine Whittington of Phillips Middle is the Burton Stuart Chair for Promising New Teachers in Math or Science. Ashley Lang of East Chapel Hill High is the Bernadine Sullivan Chair for Excellence in Teaching English.

"We are all inspired by the truly amazing performance of these dedicated professionals," said Superintendent Thomas A. Forcella. "Recognizing and celebrating them in this public ceremony is one of the highlights of our school year.”